The Vine: August 31, 2012
I need the Nation’s help finding me a pair of shoes, because apparently I’m too picky and my google-fu is failing me. Actually, I suspect part of my problem is that I’m too hung up on the perfection of the shoes I’m trying to replace — my Sofft Calypsos. I had two pairs of these fantastic shoes, and as a performer I used them in place of character shoes for everything: operas, dancing, recitals, auditions. They were the most comfortable heels I’ve ever owned, I could wear them with or without hose, and as an added bonus the flirty little flower at the ankle always elicited compliments and shoe envy.
And then, disaster! I lost both pairs (along with my house and all the rest of my stuff) in a wildfire last year. When I went to Zappos to buy some more, I was horrified to discover that Sofft had discontinued the Calypso, and I was probably several years too late to pick up any lingering overstock. Every couple of months I go online to search for Calypsos or something close, but I’ve had no luck. Sofft has a new pump called the Vercelli that’s sort of like the Calypso, but the heel taller and is not quite as wide and chunky (the low, chunky heel provided great balance in the Calypso), and they’re only available in suede (which won’t hold up as well to the kind of all-weather on-stage wear I need them for).
So does anyone out there in the Nation know where I can find a Mary-Jane-style pump with the following qualifications:
- Low heel (1.5″ – 2″)
- Black leather
- Wide heel (see the Calypso pic for an idea of what I’m looking for)
- Rounded toe
- Slip on strap (no buckle unless it’s just for adjusting the strap, which should be attached with elastic)
- Good traction
- Good arch support
- Soft footbed (preferred, but not a dealbreaker)
- Relatively plain, passable as a character shoe
- Good flexibility, with a minimal break-in period
I have looked at thousands of shoes, but I am starting to think that the only way to get what I want is to invent a time machine and go stock up on Calypsos in 2008 before they disappear forever. I need some first-hand recommendations!
Still saving some insurance money for shoes
Tags: Ask The Readers retail
You don’t mention what size you wear, but there are several pairs for sale on ebay.
Good luck!
A quick search on Zappos led me to these Campers, these Clarks, and these Naya although I don’t know if the metallic elements are too much decoration for performance purposes. Even though the description might not mention elastic, it showed up in the zoom on all pairs.
On the other hand, if you’re only using these shoes for the stage, it might be worthwhile to buy a pair of character shoes and customize accordingly with insoles and a trip to your local shoe guy for elastic.
Have you looked at John Fluevogs?
I was specifically thinking about the Mini Gorgeous when I read your description. IIRC the buckle is functional, but there’s elastic — so basically you set it and forget it.
I have had a similar pair and they are so stinking comfortable.
http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w%5B0%5D=gender%3Awomen&pp=12&view=detail&p=168&colourID=350
you didn’t mention where you are but here in NY, people swear by La Duca shoes — try their website laducashoes.com
hope that helps!
I have nothing by way of help here, but wanted to say THANK YOU for that link to Barking Dog Shoes. My dogs have started to bark the past few years, so my days of cheap, fun shoes from DSW are over; I needed a resource like that site to help me transition to shoes that won’t hobble me for the rest of my days. Time to start shopping for fall!
I have a pair of shoes that match this description that I bought in the spring that are very comfortable, soft leather, great for wearing all day. They’re by Blondo.
The pair I have are plain leather, but right now, it appears that the only shoe they’re selling that’s similar is this one, it’s got a laser cut-out pattern:
http://tinyurl.com/BlondoShoes
Several Fluevogs would work; I didn’t link any because I thought you should see for yourself. They change designs a lot so if you don’t see one today, check back in a few weeks. They are always making Mary Janes and they have the traction you want. Pricey, but they are quality and can be repaired.
I’ve noticed that DSW carries Soffts, so maybe you want to see if they have something close enough in their current line.
I started poking around and I found the Dansko Betts: http://www.dansko.com/At%20Work/Womens/Footwear/View%20All/Bett/Black%20Nappa/ I can’t tell about the strap attachment, but they might be worth taking a look.
You might also try the El Naturalista brand available through Amazon. They seem to specialize in Mary Janes. I have the Iggdrasil Mary Jane and it the most comfortable (and cute!) shoe I own. Good luck!
I kinda wonder if the brands are related given the similarities in styling, but looking at those I immediately thought of SoftSpots. They don’t have any that quite match at the moment, but I would keep an eye on them as a brand. Super stable and comfortable.
You are my shoe sister. I have eyed those Calypso shoes in the past, but never bought a pair. But what you look for in a heel is about what I look for, and you are right, it is frickin’ hard. So I will enjoy the other links because they may help me. And I see someone has already mentioned Clarks, which is one of my go-to brands – but recently I looked up their selection and none of it really did much for me.
Ooh, Cara, I wish they had those Clarks Sugar Dust in brown – I like those!
Planetshoes.com has been by go-to for shoes for a long time. They’re a bit more focused on comfort than Zappos and have brands that are more ergonomic. Here are the search results with the info I had, just plug in your size and see what they have available:
http://www.planetshoes.com/storeitems.aspx?gender=women&depart=shoes&cat=mary%20janes&scolor=black&heel=1in%20to%201%203/4in;2in%20to%202%203/4in
Sorry, last frickin’ comment, I see that they DO have brown on the actual Clarks site. Woohoo!
http://www.bornshoes.com looks like it may have some shoes that fit the bill.
Those Danskos are the shiz, PS. And the footbed padding just does not get mooshed down. I’d also highly recommend B(j)orns, which hold up forever and are very comfy. My B(j)orn boots are entering their 8th season.
I third (or whatever) the suggestion of Fluevogs, I was specifically thinking Malibran which a couple of dancers at my local theatre wear, and my friend swears are the most comfortable shoes ever Ever EVER, but Fluevog has a lot of options.
I don’t know what size you wear, but there are three pairs up on eBay right now.
YES! I have the perfect shoe. The Naya Cara. I got mine last fall at Nordstrom, but they have them at Overstock. They are outrageously comfy and cute. I wear mine with suits whenever I have to travel for work – I can walk airports, streets, etc. in them forever. I wish I had them in 10 colors. I think they fit all your requirements.
http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Naya-Womens-Cara-Mary-Jane-Heels-Extended-Sizes/5630415/product.html
Fluevogs are the best! I have two pairs – the Operetta Malibran and the Bellevue Pearl Hart. I’m a public defender, which means I am frequently on my feet in the courtroom for hours at a time, and these are the only heels I have ever worn that are actually comfortable for that kind of use. I’ve had both pairs for 4 years now, and they’ve held up really well. Also, I constantly get compliments/expressions of shoe envy. I can’t recommend them enough.
Hi, LW here. Thanks all for the great suggestions! I’m loving the Fluevog site, and while the Malibrans are not exactly what I was looking for, they are so fabulous I might have to buy them anyway. Overall, I think the Nayas are closest in style to the Calypsos. I think it’s the low-cut toebox that I find so appealing (I live in Texas, so I’m in flip-flops nine months out of the year; it’s so hot here I really appreciate shoes with minimal coverage).
Dansko Bett owners–how’s the stability? I love my Dansko clogs, but I know I have to be careful where I step or I’ll roll my ankle
I swore off actual character shoes after a pair of Capezios broke my spirit, but the ones on the LaDuca website merit further investigation…next time I’m in NYC I’ll have to try on a pair.
Also, I’m a size 8.5 (I do check eBay on my shoe hunts).
Oh the Sofft Calypso! They are my absolute favorite shoes ever. I wore one pair into nubs and have a second pair that have already lost one flower and I wear them anyway.
I am an event coordinator and they were perfect for my lots of standing/walking long days.
I recently bought these Fluevogs which I like, but not as much as the calypsos! http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w%5B0%5D=gender%3Awomen&w%5B1%5D=attribute%3AHeel&p=81&pp=2&view=detail&colourID=2558
You could try Hotter Comfort Concept. They’re designed for the older consumer, I think, but there are normally a few styles that look good (I am a teacher and was recommended this brand by a lawyer friend who also spends a lot of time on her feet). I haven’t tried dancing in them though!
What about this one from Easy Spirit? Those are usually pretty comfy.
http://www.easyspirit.com/Mary-Janes/2993779,default,sc.html
Aerosoles! Usually very comfy.
http://www.shoestation.com/aerosoles-caricature-black/pampiaohmlfoghla/product
Also, I just wanted to say I’m sorry about the loss of everything in the wildfire. It really is horrible to have to piece your life back together after a devastating event.
http://www.6pm.com/product/7986256/color/359290
Hmm…I’ve got a pair in brown suede, size 9, only worn a couple of times, and I’d be happy to part with them if you want them. I just don’t wear them and they aren’t as comfy as I’d hoped (the strap is a bit tight for me). I know you said suede won’t hold up…maybe with some serious waterproofing? Anyway, if you want ’em, they’re yours for the shipping…someone should get some fun out of these! :)
I don’t have any better suggestions for you, but I’m mourning the Steve Madden Slinky the same way you are mourning the Calypso. I feel ya, girlfriend.
http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/steve-madden-slinky
And I’m very, very sorry for your losses in the fire. That must be so hard to handle.
I have these Naots: http://tinyurl.com/95e2wde. They’re reasonably comfortable, though my arthritic toe has some difficulty with the heel height, so YMMV. The nice thing about Naots is that you (or your shoe store) can order a new insole to replace the suede footbed, which really extends the life of the shoe. The strap is secured by velcro, which may not be quite what you have in mind.
Oh my goodness, I almost forgot about that post on my blog from five years back! The Sofft Calypso was a darling shoe, and so comfortable. What do you think of this style from Trotters (godawful name). http://www.onlineshoes.com/womens-trotters-jada-blk-suede-patent-pu-p_id234480
Thanks for the link!
Kirsten
I love, love, LOVE Naya for character shoes! I have a similar pair to the first Nayas linked and they’re freaking amazing. I have super picky feet + arch issues and I’m not very good at wearing heels, period, but I wear them on stage, at work, everywhere. (With Dr. Scholls arch inserts.)
I love Naya too. Their advertising focuses more on their eco-friendliness than comfort, but they’ve got the comfort footbed on a heel thing down.
I will say what I always recommend for comfy heels: ballroom dancing shoes. They’re durable and comfortable. Veryfine is a good midrange brand that comes in many styles. I wear these Freeds (http://freedusa.com/dancesport/3_4e_dancesport.html) to teach and I’ve had little to no issues with them, though they are expensive and not quite as cute as what you’re looking for.
Jill, I’d jump at your offer, but the 8.5s fit me like a glove and I think the 9s would just be too big. Thank you!
After Lindley’s ringing endorsement, I decided on the first Nayas.
Heart attack time, y’all…I went to buy the Naya Castalias on Zappo’s and they weren’t available in my size…or on Overstock.com…but Amazon had ’em and I snapped those puppies right up! Whew! Now I just hope they run true to size.
Kristin@BarkingDogShoes.com, your site is super! I’m glad it’s out there for those of us who can’t rock the Manolo Blahniks but still crave cute shoes.
And finally, sincere thanks to everyone for your post-wildfire condolences. We are happily settled into our new house and moving forward. It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster, but we’ve seen a lot of good to go with the suck. Thank you all for being a little part of that.
Ah, well — good luck, I hope you find something that works for you!
One more idea: The Softspots Posey has a character shoe vibe–owned by HH Brown, same company that makes Sofft :-) http://www.shoebuy.com/softspots-posey-2/483259
Oops, this link actually HAS the shoe in stock http://www.6pm.com/softspots-posey
I’m late to this party, but saw these (http://www.grishko.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=56&category=9) while checking the company’s website for something else. They look like they meet most of your requirements!
They’re on ebay right now. Here ya go: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sofft-Calypso-Black-Leather-Mary-Jane-3D-Flower-Kitten-Heel-Pump-Shoes-8-1-2-M-/221293354451?pt=US_Women_s_Shoes&hash=item33861c9dd3